Born in New Jersey, the first title fight of Cotton's career came in 1995 between Eddie Hopson and Moises Pedroza.

The following year he disqualified Andrew Golota for repeated low blows against Riddick Bowe in a controversial rematch that ended in the same way the heavyweights' first bout ended.

Cotton refereed George Foreman's final win of his illustrious career, a split decision WBU title victory over Lou Savarese after the New Yorker was deducted a point by the official.

Wladimir Klitschko, Tyson Fury and Gennady Golovkin would all fight under him before he retired in 2014.

Arguably the most famous fight Cotton oversaw was Lennox Lewis' massive win over Mike Tyson in 2002.

Their eight-round affair was ended convincingly via knockout from British heavyweight Lewis.

Eddie Cotton was a great referee! Always in command and control. I used to always introduce him as “BIG” EDDIE COTTON! This COVID-19 has taken another one from our boxing community-I’m heartbroken!R.I.P. Big Eddie-Much Love💔🕊 https://t.co/HsRN6LTv4t

Tributes have poured in from around the boxing world following Cotton's successful 22-year career.

Legendary announcer Michael Buffer tweeted: "Eddie Cotton was a great referee! Always in command and control. I used to always introduce him as 'BIG' EDDIE COTTON! This COVID-19 has taken another one from our boxing community-I’m heartbroken! R.I.P. Big Eddie-Much Love."

An IBF statement read: "Eddie was also involved with several organizations dedicated to youth boxing such as the American Association for the Improvement of Boxing, YCS Foundation and the Lou Costello Sportsmen Club located in his hometown of Paterson, New Jersey.

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